Dear Ozodbek Nazarbekov,
Jorabek Rahimov (Governor of Khorezm Region),
Esteemed leaders of international Turkic organizations,
Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen!

First of all, I sincerely greet you on behalf of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and wish success to the Forum held in Khiva, one of the ancient centers of the Turkic world.

At the same time, taking this opportunity, I express my deep gratitude to the Ministry of Culture of the friendly and brotherly Uzbekistan, as well as to the leadership of the Khorezm Region, for the attention and high hospitality shown to us.

Today, just as in all fields, brotherly Uzbekistan, which is experiencing a period of revival in the field of culture, continues to transmit positive impulses not only within the country but throughout the Turkic geography.

The fact that the Second Turkic World Culture Forum is held on the same day as the International Bakhshi Art Festival adds special color and value to both events.

The revival of the Bakhshi art, which is one of the important cultural values of our peoples, within the framework of a prestigious international festival undoubtedly carries exceptional importance in terms of preserving Turkic national identity and transmitting our traditions and customs to the new generation.

I wholeheartedly congratulate brotherly Uzbekistan on the successful realization of this mission and the solemn opening of the International Bakhshi Art Festival.

As one of the factors adding particular value to the prestige of the Forum, I would also like to highlight the partnership activity of leading international organizations, including TÜRKSOY, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, the Turkic Academy, and the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States.

Today, the city of Khiva is not only hosting another prestigious event, but also bringing together representatives of international organizations, state institutions, academic circles, cultural figures, and the media who have taken on the mission of preserving, protecting, and promoting the common values of the Turkic world on the international stage.

We believe that the discussions held and the decisions made within the framework of the Forum will make a significant contribution to deepening cultural cooperation and strengthening unity within the Turkic world.

Dear Forum participants!

Two years ago, the first Turkic World Culture Forum was organized in the city of Shusha — the cultural capital of the Turkic and Islamic world, the pearl of Azerbaijani culture, and an eternal and ancient Turkic land.

The first Forum, built on the concept of the past, present, and future of Turkic culture, brought together the cooperation organizations of Turkic states and the cultural institutions of the participating countries, creating a platform for discussing and resolving common issues.

Our distinguished intellectuals and specialists, representing various fields, conducted discussions on three important topics — Common Cultural Heritage, Language, and Creative Industries — and developed innovative solutions for the future of our culture.

At the first Forum, the Turkic World Cultural Route project was presented for the first time with the support of the Turkic Academy; the first meeting of cultural heritage leaders was held, and the initiative to establish the Turkic Animation Association was discussed.

It is gratifying that our joint initiative was highly appreciated by the heads of state, and at the 11th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, held in Bishkek in November last year, our leaders emphasized the importance of holding the Second Turkic World Culture Forum in 2025.

I am confident that the long-term and sustainable cultural cooperation format, which started in Shusha and continues today in Khiva, will open up new horizons for us.

It is worth noting that Shusha and Khiva, the host cities of the First and Second Forums, have been declared sister cities since February 24, 2023.

Dear participants,

In recent years, bilateral and multilateral cooperation among Turkic states has reached a new level in terms of quality and scope across all fields, including culture. This is primarily the result of the visionary policies, strong will, and the sincere businesslike atmosphere created by our heads of state. In this regard, I would also like to specifically highlight the effective activities of TÜRKSOY, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, and the Turkic Academy.

Under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the national cultural policy is centered on deepening cooperation with Turkic states, organizations, and peoples, as well as jointly promoting our shared values. The words of President Ilham Aliyev, "Our family is the Turkic world," have become the main motto for all Azerbaijani state institutions, including the Ministry of Culture.

Moreover, during the informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States held in Shusha in July last year, the expression put forward by Mr. President Ilham Aliyev — "The 21st century must become the century of development for the Turkic world" — has become the core goal and idea of our activities.

We proudly emphasize that the Republic of Azerbaijan has established multifaceted and close cooperation relations in the field of culture with all organizations and brotherly countries of the Turkic world. This cooperation is being realized through concrete projects and initiatives.

The contribution of brotherly countries to the restoration and reconstruction works in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan is a vivid example of respect for our common historical and cultural heritage.

The construction of the Mirzo Ulugbek School No. 1 by Uzbekistan in the city of Fuzuli, the establishment of the Kurmangazy Children's Creativity Center by Kazakhstan, and the construction of a general education school in the village of Khydyrly, Aghdam District, with the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic are clear expressions of brotherhood and solidarity.

Such projects not only contribute to the development of infrastructure but also serve the restoration of the common memory of the Turkic world.

Dear participants!

As one of the oldest civilizations in the world, Turkic civilization has made an invaluable contribution to the development of human culture and science throughout history.
            Thinkers such as Nizami Ganjavi, Yunus Emre, Alisher Navoi, Imadaddin Nasimi, Muhammad Fuzuli, Abai Qunanbaiuly, and Chingiz Aitmatov played a tremendous role in shaping the intellectual heritage of Turkic peoples and the development of national-spiritual consciousness.

In the context of the Forum's significance, I would like to emphasize that the Turkic cultural space is not limited only to today’s Turkic states, and that cultural integration processes should cover a broader geography to further enhance the global influence of Turkic culture.

Creating an ethnocultural map of the Turkic world, as well as compiling a registry of disappearing traditions and examples of intangible cultural heritage, will serve as a priceless legacy for future generations. We believe that joint efforts in this area will also yield effective results.

The idea of cultural solidarity and mutual integration in the Turkic world is built on solid foundations, and we are determined to contribute to its further strengthening.

Azerbaijan is ready to actively participate both technically and institutionally in the implementation of all proposals and initiatives presented within the framework of this Forum.

I express my deep gratitude to the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan and personally to Mr. Ozodbek Nazarbekov, to TÜRKSOY and personally to Secretary General Mr. Sultan Raev, as well as to my other colleagues, the heads of organizations, and all participants whose hard work contributed to the successful organization of the Forum.

Once again, on behalf of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I sincerely congratulate each of you on this important achievement in our cultural cooperation and wish the Forum great success!

Thank you for your attention!